Obituaries

Milton Blecher

Milton Blecher of Scottsdale died Aug. 11, 2003. He was 90. He was born in Russia and moved to Arizona in 1988 from Ohio. He was a business owner in the construction industry.

Survivors include his sons, Robert Blecher of Scottsdale; Edgar Blecher of Gates Mills, Ohio; and Arnold Blecher of Chesterland, Ohio; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services were held at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were made by Green Acres Mortuary.

Sidney R. Hartstein

Sidney R. Hartstein of Scottsdale died Aug. 9, 2003. He was 88. He was born in Newark, N.J., and moved to Arizona in 2000 from Laguna Woods, Calif.

Survivors include his sons, Larry Hartstein of Scotts-dale; Kenneth Hartstein of Phoenix; and Michael Hartstein of New York; and 10 grandchildren.

Services were held at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary. Arrangements were made by Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary. Contri-butions are suggested to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix 85014; or American Diabetes Assoc-iation, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.

Eleanor Jean Lerner

Eleanor Jean Lerner, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2003. She was born September 16, 1932 in Houston and was the beloved mother of Andrea (Lane) Braver and Nelson (Lisa) Lerner; grandmother of Levy, Ari, Aaron, Alex, Zachary and Jeremy; and sister of Harris (Joy) Jacobs. She was married for 47 years to the love of her life, Morris, who predeceased her by three years.

Jean attended the University of Texas - Austin. She was a proud member of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority house where she made lifelong friendships with her "sisters."

"Eema" was a devoted family matriarch fully involved in her children's and grandchildren's lives and accomplishments. Her encouraging and caring attitude and love of family and friends was her rare gift imparted to all that knew and loved her. Her charitable activities were immeasurable and included service with Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood; Camp Charles Pearlstein, which all of her grandsons have enjoyed; and President of the Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum, where she shared her passion for preservation of Jewish culture and heritage. Avocations included extensive travel with her devoted soulmate, Morris, and visiting with her six grandsons who brought her endless pleasure and "nachas."

Funeral services were held Friday, August 8, 2003 in Phoenix. Family requests any contributions be made to the Arizona Jewish Committee, 4725 N. Scottsdale, Rd., #243, Scottsdale, AZ 85251- 7622; Citrus Valley Hospice, 820 N. Phillips Ave., West Covina, CA 91791-1121; and the American Cancer Society, 2929 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary.

Grace Weinberg

Grace Weinberg, cherished mother, sister, grandmother and treasured friend, died Tuesday, August 5, 2003 in Juneau, Alaska. She was 92.

Grace was born June 1, 1911 in New Kensington, Pa. to Kate and Morris Venzerul. She was a first-generation American, the oldest of four brothers and sisters. First and foremost, Grace was a loving wife, proud mother, grandmother and loyal sister. She will be remembered as a true friend, role model, passionate advocate, dedicated volunteer, respected elder. She endeared many to her with her sparkling eyes and smile, her bright mind, feisty spirit, lively storytelling and most of all, through her good example, staying active and involved. Grace loved Juneau and its people. She loved her home, enjoyed her family and her many friends of all ages.

Grace retired from the State of Arizona, sold her home in Phoenix, and moved to Juneau in 1995 to live with her daughter, Sheryl. At age 84, Grace started her new and active volunteer life. A major change in climate and retirement did not slow her down. Grace wasted no time in settling into her new home and becoming active in the community. She reached out to others and, in so doing, made many new friends. Grace often expressed how fortunate she felt to live in such a beautiful place as Juneau. Alaska's governor honored Grace for her contributions. In 1997, First Lady Susan Knowles presented her with the Volunteer Award for her commitment and service to the Juneau community. Grace was an active member and presiding elder of the Juneau Jewish community.

Grace is survived by her devoted daughter, Sheryl Weinberg of Juneau; her son, Kenneth Weinberg and his wife Melissa who reside in Texas; sister, Ruth Levinson and family from Ohio; grandsons Harlan of New York and Robert of Florida; and her longtime neighbors and friends, the Barstack-Ballard family in Phoenix.

Grace is preceded in death by her husband Harry, her son Michael Terry, brother Jimmy and sister Yetta. Grace was buried beside her beloved husband Harry at Beth El Cemetery in Phoenix. The family respectfully requests donations in Grace's memory be sent to the Juneau Jewish Community Building Fund, P.O. Box 33952, Juneau, AK 99803.

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